I've scoured the internet and searched these message boards, however, I can't seem to find a resolution. Any help would be appreciated as at this point I'm almost ready to wipe and start over--but would love to avoid doing that if possible.
The laptop:
This is a Sony VAIO model: PCG-71318L
The problem:
Whenever I try and plug in a usb flash drive or external hard drive, it makes a beep, but nothing shows under My Computer.
I've checked in Disk Management, however, see nothing there either.
In Device Manager, I see 2 Unknown Devices.
What I've tried so far:
I've tried uninstalling the unknown devices in Device Manager -- no luck, they just come back as unknown device next time I plug in the flash or external hd
I've tried uninstalling the USB drivers in Device Manager -- no luck, and worse it did not reinstall the USB drivers upon windows reboot. This leads me to my next step...
I've tried reinstalling the USB drivers from the Sony VAIO support page (esupport.sony.com). However I could not find the exact specific model. The website says "PCG-71318L is associated with the models listed below.
This occurs when multiple names and numbers are defined for the same or very similar models." Then it lists the following models:
VPCEB33FM
VPCEB36GM
VPCEB42FM
VPCEB42FX
VPCEB47GM
I have tried using drivers from each and every one of these all to no avail. Please for the love of all the is holy, can someone help me resolve this issue. It's going on 3 weeks now without any luck.